Auto Loan Debt, Credit Card Debt

Federal Reserve Cut and What It Means for Mortgages, Credit Cards, Car Loans

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The Federal Reserve cut its standard interest rate for the first time in nine months. Since the last cut, Americans are dealing with more inflation and a challenging job market.

The federal funds rate, set by the Federal Reserve, is the rate at which banks borrow and lend to one another. While the rates that consumers pay to borrow money are not directly linked to this rate, shifts in Fed policy affect what people pay for credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and other financial products.

The Fed projected it will cut rates two more times before the end of this year.

Mortgages will be affected gradually.  

For prospective homebuyers, the market has already priced in the rate cut, which means it is “unlikely to make a noticeable difference for most consumers at the time of the announcement,” according to Bankrate financial analyst Stephen Kates. It is anticipated that the declining interest rate environment will provide relief for borrowers over time.

Auto loans are not expected to decline soon.

Americans have faced steeper auto loan rates since early 2022, which are not expected to decline anytime soon.  Prices for new cars have leveled off recently, but remain at historically high levels, not adjusting for inflation. An auto loan annual percentage rate can run from about 4% to 30%. Bankrate’s most recent weekly survey found that average auto loan interest rates are currently at 7.19% on a 60-month new car loan.

Credit card rate relief could be slow.

Interest rates for credit cards are currently at an average of 20.13%, and the Fed’s rate cut may be slow to be felt by anyone carrying a large amount of credit card debt.  The best thing for anyone carrying a large credit card balance is to prioritize paying down high-interest-rate debt, and to seek to transfer any amounts possible to lower APR cards or negotiate directly with credit card companies for accommodation.

Click here to read more.

If you have questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm; we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Credit Card Debt

Three Simple Mistakes That Can Drive Up Your Credit Card Debt

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Credit card debt has become a growing financial strain for millions of Americans. The latest data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, reveals U.S. consumers owe a collective $1.21 trillion in credit card debt. With an average interest rate of 22%, even small mistakes can set off a chain reaction that leads to mounting balances.

Here are three mistakes that make your credit card debt more expensive.

1. Paying your credit card bill late

Missing your due date doesn’t just hurt your credit score, it costs you money. Most card issuers will charge customers a late fee of up to $35. In addition, when your payment is late, your ‘grace period’ can disappear, which can cause interest to accrue immediately on new purchases.

2. Allowing a balance to carry over from one month to the next

Carrying a credit card balance from one month to the next is one of the fastest ways for your debt to spiral out of control. You may think it’s manageable to carry a credit card balance over from one month to the next, especially if you’re only short by a few hundred dollars each month. However, unlike installment loans, credit card interest compounds daily. That means every day your balance remains unpaid, interest is added, and then you’re charged interest on the interest.

3. Not taking advantage of balance transfers, debt consolidation or other available strategies.

Another credit card mistake that can cost you is sticking to the status quo when you have options to lower your costs. For example, many credit card companies offer 0% balance transfer promotions for 12 to 21 months, giving you a chance to make real progress on your balance without added interest. While there will typically be a small transfer fee tied to these promotions, the savings can be substantial if you’re strategic about paying down your balance during the promotional period.

Click here to read more.

As bankruptcy attorneys, we see credit card debt as one of the most common problems facing those with serious financial challenges.

Filing for bankruptcy is a viable option for those struggling with insurmountable credit card debt. Chapter 7 is the fastest form of consumer bankruptcy and forgives most unsecured debts like credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans.  There are certain qualifications a consumer must meet in regard to income, assets, and expenses to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which is determined by the bankruptcy means test.

If you have questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm; we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Credit Score

Credit Scores Drop at Rates Not Seen Since the Great Recession

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As Americans struggle to keep up with the cost of living and the return of student debt payments, their credit scores are taking a hit. The national average FICO score dropped by two points this year, the highest since 2009, according to recent data.  These numbers are down for the second year in a row.  FICO also found that delinquency rates on auto loans, credit cards and personal loans are at or near their highest levels since 2009.

Younger Americans are facing even more financial pressure with high student loan debt and low entry-level hiring. Gen Z borrowers experienced an average credit score drop of three points — the biggest decline of any age group since 2020 during the pandemic, according to FICO.

FICO found that 14% of Gen Zers have had a large credit score decline of 50 points or more in the past year — more than any other year and double the decline of 2021.

The US Department of Education’s COVID-19 relief for student loans has ended. The 0% interest rate ended Sept. 1, 2023, and payments restarted in October 2023. The Department of Education restarted collecting federal student loans in default in May. Student loan delinquencies were not reported on credit files until February.

Between February and April, 6.1 million consumers had a student loan delinquency added to their credit file, according to FICO. That means the student loan delinquency rate has climbed to a record high of 29% among the 21 million borrowers with a student debt payment due.

The impact of these late student debt payments and the fact that Gen Z doesn’t have a long track record of making credit payments, which builds their credit scores. This makes their credit scores vulnerable to more volatility, both up and down.

FICO found that 64% of Gen Z and 61% of Millennials with student loans rely on credit cards, buy-now-pay-later loans or personal loans to bridge financial gaps.

Click here to read more on this story.

If you have any questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover.

Bankruptcy Law, Consumer Bankruptcy

Personal Loans After Bankruptcy. Can You Get One?

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YES, it is possible to get a personal loan after bankruptcy.

The good news is that after bankruptcy, you can immediately take steps that can have a positive impact on your credit history. While each lender will have certain eligibility requirements, for example, a minimum credit score and minimum income.  A descent income and a low debt-to-income ratio can be compensating factors. Especially, if you have taken steps to rebuild your credit.

Here are some important tips for rebuilding your credit after bankruptcy.

  1. Pull a copy of your credit reports for free by visiting https://www.annualcreditreport.com/.
  2. Make sure your credit reports are accurate. The accounts that were discharged in bankruptcy should be closed. If any discrepancies are found, these errors should be reported right away to the credit bureaus via a formal dispute.
  3. Prioritize making future payments on time. It sounds simple, but on-time payments and responsible credit card use can significantly help you recover from bankruptcy.
  4. Creating a budget is important after completing a bankruptcy case. Write down all necessary living expenses and track how much of the consumer’s income can be used to go towards paying these costs. A good rule of thumb when budgeting is to follow the 50/30/20 rule. What this entails is 50 percent of the consumer’s income goes towards meeting his or her needs. Another 30 percent would be set aside for items that are considered not necessary or are wanted, while 20 percent of the monthly income goes towards savings.

Getting a personal loan after bankruptcy.

If you are interested in applying for a personal loan after bankruptcy, here are some important steps to take.

  1. Review your credit report. If you find mistakes, contact the credit bureau before applying for the loan.
  2. Know your loan amount. A personal loan can be helpful, but it still needs to be repaid. That means borrowing within your means and only for what you need.
  3. Research lenders. Look at minimum and maximum loan amounts, eligibility requirements, APRs, repayment terms, fees, and customer reviews.
  4. Get prequalified: Once you have your list of potential lenders, see if you can get prequalified online.
  5. Have all your documents ready. Make sure you have pay stubs, tax statements, and bank statements ready to support your application. After that, it’s in the lender’s hands. You may get a response immediately, or within a couple of days, or up to a week, depending on the type of lender.

 

Click here to read more.

If you are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Credit Card Debt

Credit Card Debt Report for 2025

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Credit card interest rates are at an all-time high, averaging above 20 percent.  The implications of credit card debt are far-reaching.  Here are several key insights from Bankrate’s 2025 Credit Card Debt Report.

  • 46% of credit cardholders report having a credit card balance. About a quarter (23%) do not think they will ever be able to pay it off.
  • Emergency and day-to-day expenses, such as groceries, childcare and utilities, are the most common reasons for credit card debt.
  • Credit card debt causes Americans to hold off on important money milestones. Saving for an emergency (34 percent), investing (23 percent) and buying a vehicle (21 percent) are the most likely to be set back.

Approximately how long have you been carrying a balance on your credit card(s)?

Note: Among respondents who carry a balance on their credit card(s). Source: Bankrate surveys, June 2-4, 2025, November 13-15, 2024.

Credit Card Debt

Credit Card Stats 2025

Click here to read more.

As bankruptcy attorneys, we see credit card debt as one of the most common problems facing those with serious financial challenges.

Filing for bankruptcy is a viable option for those struggling with insurmountable credit card debt. Chapter 7 is the fastest form of consumer bankruptcy and forgives most unsecured debts like credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans.  There are certain qualifications a consumer must meet in regard to income, assets, and expenses to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which is determined by the bankruptcy means test.

If you have questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm; we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Foreclosure Defense, Foreclosures

These 2 Southern States Lead the Nation with the Highest Number of Foreclosures

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Foreclosure rates have been on the rise, signaling homeowners are struggling with the cost of homeownership.  There was a total of 36,033 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings, up 0.4% from the prior month and 13.9% from a year ago, according to the U.S. Foreclosure Market Report from ATTOM.

The report revealed that Florida, South Carolina, and Illinois had the worst foreclosure rates in the nation.

High foreclosure rates can be attributed to a range of factors, including economic pressure, local housing market dynamics, and state-specific foreclosure procedures. Of the three states, only Florida, with a median home list price of $440,000, is above the national median at $431,250.

The report revealed that two-thirds of the 50 counties around the U.S. considered most exposed to potential fallbacks were in Florida, California, Illinois, and the New York region.

South Carolina saw 1 in every 2,311 housing units with a foreclosure filing; Illinois had 1 in every 2,405 housing units; and Florida had 1 in every 2,526 housing units.

Among those major metropolitan statistical areas with a population of at least 200,000, those with the greatest number of foreclosure starts in April 2025 included Houston (1,202), Chicago (1,139), New York City (1,099), Miami (739), and Atlanta (665).

Click here to read more.

Choosing the right attorney can make the difference between keeping your home or losing it in foreclosure. A well-qualified Miami foreclosure defense attorney will not only help you keep your home, but they will be able to negotiate a loan that has payments you can afford. Miami foreclosure defense attorney Timothy Kingcade has helped many facing foreclosure alleviate their stress by letting them stay in their homes for at least another year, allowing them to re-organize their lives. If you have any questions on the topic of foreclosure, please feel free to contact me at (305) 285-9100. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Filings, Consumer Debt, Foreclosures, Medical Debt

Study Links This Health Condition to Higher Rates of Debt, Bankruptcy and Foreclosure

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A recent study revealed that patients with diabetes have more adverse financial events on average than patients without diabetes.  Researchers used a unique dataset to show that patients with Type 2 Diabetes have worse financial outcomes than other patients.  Findings showed diabetes patients fared worse on all seven financial outcomes studied, including below-prime credit scores, medical and non-medical debt in collections, 60-plus-day delinquent debt, debt charge-offs, bankruptcy filings and foreclosure.

The study’s co-author, and professor and chair of consumer sciences at The Ohio State University, Cäzilia Loibl, found that patients with diabetes were more burdened financially than other patients. The diabetes patients in the study were compared to people who had a blood test to check for diabetes but who were not diagnosed with diabetes.

Researchers used data on 166,285 patients being treated at the Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State from October 2017 through December 2021.

While other research has “suggested” that diabetes patients often face financial difficulties, this most recent study sets it apart.  Researchers were successfully able to link credit, employment and medical data, providing a unique look at the connection between “physical and financial health” in diabetes patients.

Click here to read more.

If you are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Medical Debt

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Medical Debt Rule Delayed

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A U.S. District Court judge in the Eastern District of Texas has twice ordered a stay of the medical debt rule, which was supposed to take effect on March 15. The rule would have wiped out $50 million of medical debt from credit reports. At the time, benefitting 15 million Americans. An independent agency had calculated that the new credit reporting rules would result in an additional 22,000 mortgages every year and boost Americans’ credit scores by an average of 20 points.

U.S. District Judge Sean Jordan, who was appointed by President Trump during his first term, argued in his decision that the Fair Credit Reporting Act does not allow the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to remove medical debt from reports. New leadership appointed by President Trump now runs the CFPB. And the agency did not just reverse its position on the consumer protection rule; it joined forces with the plaintiffs who filed the suit trying to block it.

The outcome of the lawsuit, filed on the same day the rule was issued, has important financial implications for millions of Americans whose medical debt has negatively impacted their credit scores.

Click here to read more on this story.

Those who have experienced illness or injury and found themselves overwhelmed with medical debt should contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney. In bankruptcy, medical bills are considered general unsecured debts just like credit cards. This means that medical bills do not receive priority treatment and can easily be discharged in bankruptcy. Bankruptcy laws were created to help people resolve overwhelming debt and gain a fresh financial start. Bankruptcy attorney Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken, P.A., has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild, and recover. The day you hire our firm; we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken, P.A. website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Credit Card Debt

Can You Inherit Credit Card Debt?

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Credit card debt continues to put a drain on household budgets. The average monthly credit card balance is up to $6,618, according to Experian. At the same time, the Federal Reserve reports that average interest rates on credit cards remain at 21.37%, with many card issuers charging rates around 30% and higher.

If this is something you’re struggling with, you may wonder what happens to this debt if you pass away.  Does a loved one inherit your credit card debt, or does it simply die with you?

Typically, the deceased person’s estate settles the debt. If the estate lacks the funds to pay it off, the remaining balance may go unpaid and not be passed on to surviving family members.

The family is not liable for the balance unless legally connected to the debt.  For example, if the person is a cosigner on the debt or it’s a joint credit card. Spouses in community property states (and domestic partners in some cases) could be responsible if the debt was taken out during the marriage.

There are many misconceptions about credit card debt and who is responsible for it when someone dies.  If a parent dies with credit card debt, the child inherits the debt is a common assumption.  This is false.  Unless the child was a cosigner or joint account holder.

If you are unsure who is legally responsible for a debt, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney.  If debt collectors are harassing you, remember that the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects you from threats, false claims and repeated calls.

RELATED RESOURCES:

What Happens to Debt After You Die? U.S. News & World Report

Can You Inherit Credit Card Debt? Experts Weigh in CBS News.com

Bankruptcy Trends, Credit Card Debt

More People Filing for Bankruptcy Have Retail Credit Card Debt

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Store credit cards, which most major retailers offer, carry a much higher interest rate than traditional credit cards. Since 2021, the number of people with retail credit card debt that file for bankruptcy has been rising at a faster rate than new filings overall, according to proprietary data and analytics from Stretto.

Between 2023 and 2024, new consumer bankruptcy filings rose 5.8% but the number of cases that included retail credit card debt rose 12%, a CNBC analysis of the data shows.

Click here to read more on this story.

While each consumer’s financial situation is different, there are ways to determine if your credit card debt is too high.  Consider your answers to the following questions:

  • Is your credit card debt impacting your financial and emotional health? Carrying large amounts of credit card debt can damage your credit score and cause you to experience financial and emotional stress. A good rule of thumb is to ensure your monthly payments are not more than 10 percent of your monthly income.
  • Are you paying only the minimum? Credit cards typically have low monthly minimum payments, but that doesn’t mean they are affordable just because you can cover that amount. If you are only able to make the minimum payment, that can be a sign you have too much credit card debt.
  • Is your credit card debt impacting your credit score? Credit cards can help your credit score- or hurt it, depending on how you use them. It is recommended that you keep your credit utilization below 30 percent. Having significant credit card debt can have a negative impact on your credit score. This can make other debts, like your mortgage and car payments more expensive.

As bankruptcy attorneys, we see credit card debt as one of the most common problems facing those with serious financial challenges.

Filing for bankruptcy is a viable option for those struggling with insurmountable credit card debt. Chapter 7 is the fastest form of consumer bankruptcy and forgives most unsecured debts like credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans.  There are certain qualifications a consumer must meet in regard to income, assets, and expenses to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which is determined by the bankruptcy means test.

If you have questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm; we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.